Mathematics Question from JEE Main 2025 · 4 April, Shift 1

Let $C$ be the circle $x^2 + (y - 1)^2 = 2$, $E_1$ and $E_2$ be two ellipses whose centres lie at the origin and major axes lie on the $x$-axis and $y$-axis respectively. Let the straight line $x + y = 3$ touch the curves $C$, $E_1$, and $E_2$ at $P(x_1, y_1)$, $Q(x_2, y_2)$, and $R(x_3, y_3)$ respectively. Given that $P$ is the mid-point of the line segment $QR$ and $PQ = \frac{2\sqrt{2}}{3}$, the value of $9(x_1 y_1 + x_2 y_2 + x_3 y_3)$ is equal to _____.